Volcano watch in Russia

Chuck Myers/McClatchy-Tribune

Chuck Myers/McClatchy-Tribune

By Larry Habegger and Dani Burlison, Special to Tribune Newspapers

Russia: With at least four volcanoes in the far eastern region of Kamchatka continuing to show signs of increased activity, officials have warned of possible eruptions. Because ash plumes from the volcanoes could pose a risk to air traffic, the Emergency Situations Ministry has alerted travel companies about the potential hazards of visiting the area and has warned tourists against travel near the volcanoes.

Saudi Arabia: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised the 11,000 Americans traveling for the Hajj pilgrimage in October to get a routine checkup and vaccinations. The CDC recommends shots for measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, influenza and the meningitis vaccine, which is required before travel for the pilgrimage. Pilgrims should also be aware that a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak is active in the Arabian Peninsula.

India: Tourists should avoid the state of Jammu and Kashmir, where severe floods have killed hundreds of people and stranded or displaced thousands more. Pakistan also has suffered extensive losses in the Gujranwala and Sialkot regions. Many roads and facilities have been damaged or destroyed as rivers have swelled into villages in both countries, and there is a shortage of food and clean drinking water in these areas.

Vietnam: The World Health Organization announced that nearly 11,000 suspected measles cases, including about 3,700 confirmed cases and two measles deaths, have been reported in the country. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, ear infection, diarrhea and serious lung infections. Measles can cause death in young children and people with compromised immune systems. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccinations before travel to the country.

Australia: Tourists in New South Wales should use caution while visiting the area's popular beaches, following the fatal shark attack on a 53-year-old swimmer Sept. 9 at Byron Bay. The great white shark responsible for the attack reportedly was still in the area. The attack was the third in Australia this year.

Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov.